A GARDEN NEAR YOU DROPPING INTO SPRING

Despite the recent storms, the Scottish Snowdrop Festival is blossoming

Between now and Wednesday, March 11, 35 of Scotland’s finest gardens, woodlands, and estates are opening their doors – and gates – to welcome in the annual Scottish Snowdrop Festival.

Catherine Erskine, chairwoman of Discover Scottish Gardens, and founder of the Snowdrop Festival in Scotland, said: “Snowdrops foretell the changing of the seasons and, for many of us, they are a welcome indicator that spring is just around the corner.

“We are very lucky in Scotland to have such a fantastic climate for snowdrops, with many species flourishing here and creating magnificent displays across Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.

“Many of the festival venues are in the grounds of some of Scotland’s most historic buildings and estates, creating a spectacular sight.

“We hope the festival will encourage people to go outdoors and discover this beautiful flower alongside the region’s stunning gardens.”

Snowdrops first appeared Scotland in the 18th Century.

There are around 300 varieties of Galanthus, to give the snowdrop its botanical name, which means milk flower – an apt name for the dainty white flower whose buds look like drops of milk hanging from the stem.

However, it’s not native to Britain and how it got here is a bit of a mystery.

One theory suggests that it was connected to soldiers returning home after the Crimean War.

They had seen the pretty, delicatelooking flowers growing near the battlefields, and it was they who brought clumps of them home to Britain to plant in their own gardens.

The versatility and hardiness of this classic winter flowering plant means it grows in a great range of locations across Scotland.

The Scottish Snowdrop Festival is organised by Discover Scottish Gardens and supported by Visit Scotland.

Jo Robinson, VisitScotland regional director, said: “The Scottish Snowdrop Festival heralds the start of a new year, encouraging visitors to get out and about to enjoy Scotland’s gardens.

“I’m delighted to see some of Aberdeenshire and the Highland’s finest gardens and estates once again taking part to showcase these in beautiful flowers and their tourism offering during the traditionally quieter winter months.”

Aberdeenshire Gardens taking part include Castle Fraser on March 1.

Until March 7 the festival, and snowflake displays, can be enjoyed at Crathes Garden and Estate (www. nts.org.uk).

Venues across the HIghlands and beyond include:

Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum, until February 28 (www. armadale castle.com).

Attadale Gardens, festival and snowdrop walk, February 20 and 27 (www.attadalegardens.com).

Dunrobin Castle, until March 11 (www.dunrobincastle.co.uk).

Ardmaddy Castle Gardens near Seil in Argyll is hosting talks, walks and activities until March 3.

At Scone Palace in Perth, the palace grounds will be open from Friday to Sunday until March 8 for the festival.

● www.visitscotland.com/snowdrop

Castle Fraser near Inverurie is just one of the many Scottish attractions harnessing the pulling power of the beautiful snowdrop

Galanthus, the botanical name for snowdrops, means ‘milk flower’, reflecting its beautiful white petals

DROPS OF DELIGHT: Although the snowdrop is not native to Scotland, locals and tourists have taken these welcome harbingers of spring to their hearts